Carbon Nanotube Production Method to Stimulate Soil Microorganisms and Plant Growth Produced from the Emissions of Internal Combustion

ABSTRACT

A carbon nanotube production system is used for improving plant growth characteristics for a plant growing medium, for example soil in an agricultural field. The system includes an internal combustion engine, for example a tractor engine, which is arranged to combust a fuel mixture therein which includes a blend of fuels and additives including a carbon nanotube seeding material. The engine is operated in pyrolysis to produce exhaust emissions containing black carbon ultrafine and nano soot, for example by towing an agricultural implement across the agricultural field. At least a portion of the exhaust emissions is captured and conditioned to process the carbon soot into carbon nanotubes. The conditioned exhaust emissions and carbon nanotubes therein are then applied to the plant growing medium, for example by using the agricultural implement to incorporate the conditioned exhaust into the soil.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method whereby internal combustionblack carbon soot is produced, during combustion pyrolysis producingultra-fine to nano meter size particulate matter. More particularly themethod relates to the production of single wall carbon nanotubes, multiwall carbon nanotubes and water soluble carbon nanotubes. The describedmethod produces these nanotubes through control of fuel mixtures, fueladditives, combustion control and further conditioning to promote thegrowth of desired single wall carbon nanotubes, multiwall carbonnanotubes and water soluble carbon nanotubes that are used asbio-stimulants, nano minerals or nano fertilizer. These nano mineralsand or nano fertilizers are incorporated into soil, seeds, plants, feed,compost, water or any media or place that microorganisms and plantswould benefit from stimulation of RNA, DNA, Anion Exchange Capacity(AEC) and/or Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC).

BACKGROUND

Internal combustion emissions, particularly diesel, can produce largeamounts of particulate matter (soot) that cause smog and poor airquality. Resent diesel engine design and emissions controls have loweredthe particulate matter. The use of bio-fuel blends and split injectiontiming can further clean up the visual aspect of emissions. Now theconcern is the ultrafine and nano size particulate matter that remainsas pollution, causing respiratory problems from emissions.

Carbon nanotubes are recently discovered and are proving to be veryuseful in the computer chip and biomedical research field.

Recent studies of seed stimulation by carbon soot have demonstrated in alaboratory that seeds germinate and grow faster in the presence ofcarbon nanotubes.

The following references provide supporting evidence for many of thestatements in the accompanying specification and are incorporated hereinby reference:

-   -   1. Effects of Biodiesel Blending on particulate and Polycyclic        Aromatic Hydrocarbons Emissions in Nano/Ultrafine/Fine/Coarse        Ranges from Diesel Engine, Shu-Mei Chien, Yuh-Jeen Huang,        Shunn-Chuang,His-Hsien Yang, Chien et al. Aerosol and Air        Quality Research, Vol. 9, No 1, pp. 18-31. 2009    -   2. Microstructures and Nanostructures for Environmental Carbon        Nanotubes and Nanoparticulate Soots L. E Murr, Int.J. Environ.        Res. Public Health 2008. 5 (5) 321-336, International Journal of        Environmental Research and Public Health ISSN 1661-7827        www.ijerph.org 2008 by MDPI    -   3. Water soluble carbon nanotubes affect growth of the common        gram (Cicer arietinum), Shweta Tripathi, Sumit Kumar Sonkar,        Abbishek Kumar, M. Y. Khan ,and Sabyasachi Sarkar, Nature        Precedings; hdl;10101/npre.2009.4056.1 ; posted 8 Dec. 2009

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod for improving plant growth characteristics for a plant growingmedium, the method comprising:

providing an internal combustion engine arranged to combust a fueltherein;

adding a carbon nanotube seeding material to the fuel of theinternational combustion engine to produce a fuel mixture;

operating the internal combustion engine to combust the fuel mixture inpyrolysis to produce exhaust emissions; and

capturing at least a portion of the exhaust emissions so as to bearranged for subsequent delivery to the plant growing medium.

Preferably the method further includes i) operating the internalcombustion engine to combust the fuel and the carbon nanotube seedingmaterial in pyrolysis to produce black carbon ultrafine and Nano soot inthe exhaust emissions, and ii) conditioning the exhaust emissions suchthat the Nano carbon soot is processed into carbon nanotubes.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of producing nano carbon tubes from the emissions of internalcombustion engine that is powering an implement. The production processbegins in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, Thenano particulate matter produced is controlled by the prescribedelements present in the fuel source by blending diesel fuel, bio-fueland additives. The prescribed element is the seed that starts the carbonnanotube. Nano soot produced at pyrolysis in the combustion process isattracted to the element that starts the tube end forming a carbonlattice tube that has unique properties depending on many describedcontrollable conditions within the described method. Nano carbon sootproduced are processed further by through condensing and conditioningdescribed by the method. This process method influences the productionof the desired type of carbon nanotube that will stimulate the biologyof growing plants with less reliance on fossil fuel. This isaccomplished as the implement is performing other tasks or by an enginerunning for the sole purpose of generating nano soot. The producedcarbon nanotubes are directed to the microorganisms, which are presentin soil or other media through a distribution system contacting seeds,soil, compost, feed, water and plants that have active microorganismspresent that benefit from the presence of carbon nanotubes.

Emissions are controlled in the method by a computer or manual settingthat can affect engine load, operating temperature, spark, splitinjection, timing, air fuel ratio and the type of fuel that can have aneffect on the production of particulate matter soot ultrafine and nanocarbon that develops into carbon nanotubes in the production chamber,condensing chamber and delivery system.

The method includes metal elements and minerals added to the fuel toproduce different types of carbon nanotubes; single wall from metals anddouble wall from transitional metals. Diameter of the tube and shapealso is influenced by the metals burnt in combustion or present whenproducing carbon nanotubes in the growing chamber. These nanotubes arenano fertilizers produced to specifically eliminate deficiencies withinthe media without the addition of fossil fuel produced fertilizers.

Bio-fuels are not as consistent in the chemistry makeup, depending onthe plant material that produced the vegetable oil, mineral contents canvary and be higher than refined Diesel fuels or petroleum based fuelsthat contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The method therefore willblend fuels and additives for proper formation of desired nanotubes andemissions compounds that are beneficial to the microbiology, soil andplants. Bio-fuels are the focus of the future supplementing or replacingfossil fuels to help lower emissions, especially in agriculture as thetechnology of recycling emissions and growing bio-fuels without fossilfuel inputs solves the bio fuel energy equation.

Various types of carbon nanotubes are produced in the method by blendingthe fuel with different metals and minerals to produce the prescribedstimulation to the diverse microorganisms that are present on seeds inthe soil on plants etc. Plant growth promoting microorganisms thenreceive exudates from plants roots. The microorganisms, in return,feedback hormones and proteins or nitrogen fixation back to the plant.The carbon nanotubes stimulate the microorganisms to be more activehelping the plant to be more energy efficient and faster growing.

The multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCT) can be processed in the methodwith nitric acid and other chemicals to become soluble in water. Thecondensation of the emissions that contain nitric acid will aid insolubilizing the tubes into water allowing the system to work withsprayers, irrigation water, treatment ponds and waste management,methane production, composters and alga growth for bio fuel production.Solubilized carbon nanotubes stay suspended in solution to facilitateroot up take.

Carbon nanotubes by the method may form many sizes and configurations,such as single wall, double wall, multi wall and have unique electricalproperties, negative (anion exchange capacity) neutral water soluble andpositive (cation exchange capacity). Carbon nanotubes structure is likea sheet of hexagon black carbon atoms rolled unto a lattice structure(Zig-zag tube lattice=0 degree angle) (Chiral tubes lattice=13 degreeangle) and (Armchair tube lattice=30 degree angle). Nanotube size,shape, length, lattice configuration, conductivity and characteristicsenhance the mineral that is used as the starter seed or catalyst thathas formed the tube. Many combinations and configurations of carbonnanotubes are possible depending on the settings controlled by themethod, as desired interaction with the biota.

When there is provided a sensing system arranged to sense at least onecondition of the exhaust emissions, preferably a computer controller isarranged to controllably vary a ratio of carbon nanotube seedingmaterial to fuel in the fuel mixture in response to variation of said atleast one condition of the exhaust emissions sensed by the sensingsystem.

The computer controller may also be arranged to controllably vary atleast one operating condition of the internal combustion engine inresponse to variation of said at least one condition of the exhaustemissions sensed by the sensing system. The operating condition of theinternal combustion engine may be selected from the group consisting offuel type, timing, split injection, and air/fuel ratio.

The carbon nanotube seeding material may comprise a mineral, a magneticmetal, a transitional metal, an alloy, or other related compounds aloneor in combination.

Preferably a conditioning system is arranged to receive and conditionthe exhaust emissions therein to produce carbon nanotubes.

Preferably low oxygen levels are maintained in the exhaust emissions soas to minimize oxidisation in the conditioning system and so as tominimize production of NO₂ in the conditioning system

Optionally an incinerator may be operable to combust a respective fueltherein to produce products of combustion such that the conditioningsystem is arranged to receive and condition the exhaust emissions fromthe internal combustion engine and the products of combustion from theincinerator therein to produce carbon nanotubes. The incinerator may beused to combust metals or minerals directly or by injecting a watersolution containing ionized minerals for example.

In preferred embodiments, the exhaust emissions are directly applied tothe plant growing medium immediately subsequent to producing carbonnanotubes in the exhaust emissions.

In some embodiments, phosphorous may be added to the exhaust at theconditioning system.

The method may also include adding DNA in the conditioning system, andmaintaining temperature of the conditioning system at an optimumtemperature for DNA reproduction.

In some instances, an acid is added to the conditioning system.Optionally the exhaust emissions may be cooled in the conditioningsystem to condense water vapour in the exhaust emissions and convert NOin the emissions to nitric acid.

A separator may receive the exhaust emissions from the conditioningsystem to separate the nanotubes from a remainder of the exhaustemissions. This is particularly suited for collected and storage of thecarbon nanotube for subsequent use at a different location or at adifferent time.

Flow through the conditioning system may be enhanced using at least onetechnique selected from the group consisting of: compressed recirculatedgas injection, sonic vibration, mechanical vibration, non-stick surfacetreatment, and electrostatic repulsion within the conditioning.

An exhaust passage receiving the exhaust emissions therethrough may beshaped to create sonic vibrations in the exhaust emissions as theemissions are directed there through using corrugated material andspirally arranged conditioning elements.

The exhaust passage may include an outer tube surrounding the exhaustpassage to define a cooling passage between the outer tube and theexhaust passage and a fan arranged to direct cooling air through thecooling passage.

When an oxygen sensor or a temperature sensor is in communication withthe exhaust emissions at the conditioning system, the computercontroller may be arranged to control at least one operating conditionof the conditioning system or the internal combustion engine in responseto an oxygen level or temperature sensed by the sensor.

When using a delivery to deliver the exhaust emissions to the plantgrowing medium, the temperature sensor may be in communication with theexhaust emissions at the delivery system.

The delivery system may be arranged to deliver the exhaust emissionstopically to living plants or in a liquid solution such as irrigationwater.

Alternatively the delivery system may include an enclosure and a mixingelement arranged to mix the exhaust emissions with organic matter withinthe enclosure.

In a further arrangement, the delivery system may include grounddisturbing elements and injectors for injecting the exhaust emissionsinto soil disturbed by the ground disturbing elements.

When using an ambient sensor arranged to monitor at least one ambientcondition selected from the group consisting of internal combustionengine load, conductivity of the plant growing medium, geographicalposition, topographical conditions of the plant growing medium, thecomputer controller may be arranged to control at least one operatingcondition of the conditioning system or the internal combustion enginein response to said at least one ambient condition monitored by theambient sensor.

When using a GPS system arranged to determine geographical position ofthe internal combustion engine relative to the plant growing medium anddetermine a geographically varying condition of the plant growing mediumrelative to geographical position, the computer controller may bearranged to control at least one operating condition of the conditioningsystem or the internal combustion engine in response to thegeographically varying condition of the plant growing medium.

When using a condition sensing system arranged to monitor at least onecondition of the exhaust emissions, and a data logging tool may bearranged to log said at least one condition of the exhaust emissions.

In some instance a fuel mixture of fuel and carbon nanotube seedingmaterial is provided which includes aromatic compounds.

When the method includes determining a type of plant to be planted inthe plant growing medium or at least one condition of the plant growingmedium, the fuel mixture can be selected based on said type of plant orsaid at least one condition by selecting i) one or more fuel additivesfrom a group of fuel additives, ii) one or more fuels from a group offuel types, or iii) a combination of one or more fuel additives from agroup of fuel additives and one or more fuels from a group of fuel typesin producing the fuel mixture.

The condition of the plant growing medium can be soil pH or abiodiversity condition representing fungal and bacteria content forexample.

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a production system and methodfor production and delivery of carbon nanotubes to improve plant growthcharacteristics of a plant growing medium;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a fuel blending system of theproduction system according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a combustion control system ofthe production system according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a conditioning system of theproduction system according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a delivery and monitoring systemof the production system according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a computer control system of theproduction system according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the functionality of single wallcarbon nanotubes produced according to the production system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the functionality of watersoluble single wall carbon nanotubes produced according to theproduction system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of accelerated carbohydratefunctionality of single wall carbon nanotubes produced according to theproduction system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the functionality of doublewall carbon nanotubes produced according to the production system ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the functionality of multi wallcarbon nanotubes produced according to the production system of FIG. 1.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate correspondingparts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a carbonnanotube production system indicated by reference numeral 10. Theproduction system is suited for improving plant growth characteristicsof a plant growing medium, for example agricultural soil. Generally themethod involves adding a carbon nanotube seeding material to the fuel ofan international combustion engine to produce a fuel mixture which iscombusted by the engine in pyrolysis to produce black carbon ultrafineand nano soot in the exhaust emissions which are captured forconditioning such that the nano carbon soot is processed into carbonnanotubes for subsequent delivery to the plant growing medium.

Although the various components of the system will be described infurther detail below, the overall production system 10 as shown in FIG.1 generally includes an agricultural tractor or the like with aninternal combustion engine 12 operated by a combustion control system 14in a pyrolysis air fuel ratio to produce optimum ultra-fine and nanosoot black carbon. A fuel blending system 16 introduces into a mixtureof various fuels, elements that are the starter seed to the desiredcarbon nanotubes (CNT) to be produced which can include signal wallcarbon nanotubes (SWCNT) 100, double wall carbon nanotube (DWCNT) 102,multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) 104.

An exhaust emissions conditioning system 18 receives the exhaustemissions from the combustion engine to condition the exhaust emissionssuch that the ultra-fine and nano soot black carbon is processed intothe carbon nanotubes. A conditioning chamber of the conditioning systemmay receive additional materials and additives such as minerals, water,and products of combustion from other sources therein to optimize theenvironment in the chamber to grow the carbon nanotubes. A condenser canbe used to cool the gases to a temperature that stabilises the soot fromoxidization and provides a favourable temperature for microorganisms andseed. The carbon nanotube production and condensing chamber allows thecarbon nanotubes to grow at low oxygen levels and cool to a stabletemperature.

The production system 10 further includes a delivery system 20 which isdesigned to allow the soot and carbon nanotubes to flow with theemissions gasses that are conditioned in the exhaust conditioning systemto allow them to mix with microorganisms at the prescribed conditions.The various conditions of the exhaust emissions at the conditioningsystem and at the delivery system are monitored by the monitoring system22.

A computer controller 24 includes a controlling feedback system whichmonitors many conditions at the exhaust conditioning and deliverysystems. The computer controller 24 controls various operatingconditions of the internal combustion engine, the fuel blending system,the exhaust conditioning system, and the exhaust delivery systemaccording to the feedback from the various monitored conditions andaccording to a programmed mix of desired minerals and other additivesinto the fuel or conditioning chamber to produce the desired size andshape of the carbon nanotube amplifying the minerals that grow thenanotubes.

As described in further detail in the following, the production system10 is used to produce carbon nanotubes from internal combustion soot,emissions that are emitted when an engine is performing other tasks. Amixture of fuels and additives are combusted in pyrolysis to produceblack carbon ultrafine and nano soot in the combustion chamber. The nanocarbon soot is processed into carbon nanotubes by controlled emissionsconditioning and condensing to produce single wall, double wall, multiwall and soluble carbon nanotubes within a growing and condensingchamber to be utilized as a Nano fertilizer for the stimulation ofmicrobial life in soils, growth media, water and seeds. The carbonnanotubes increase cation and anion exchange to improve soil fertilityand plant growth, by the means of incorporating, by gas injection,mixing, auguring, conveying, pumping, spraying, electrostatic depositionor under hoods such as tarpaulin covers. As a result of the influence ofthe carbon nanotubes stimulating microbial life such as phytohormonesand increasing soil fertility, the plants grow larger roots and shootsand the physiology of the plant is altered to rely on sunlight energy.The plant photosynthesizes at a greater rate using more CO2 to supplythe biological fertility instead of synthetic energy in the form ofmacro fertilizer that inhibits the plant physiology from using thesunlight energy and CO2. This reduces the fossil fuel energy consumptionof growing plants.

Part of the process can further involve microorganisms which have a DNAsingle strand 106 that will wrap around the single wall carbon nanotube100 to form a symbiotic hydrophobic interaction this gives themicroorganisms the extra energy to reproduce faster (hybridization).This interaction with the plant increases the plant growth, promotinghormones and proteins from nitrogen fixation that stimulate the plant tostore more sun light energy, transferring more carbon CO2 from the airinto the soil, such that the plant is stimulated to feed the microbiallife faster, powered by the sun.

Fuel Blending

Turning now more particularly to FIG. 2, the fuel blending system 16accepts input from the computer controller 24 to control the fuelmixtures and additives within the fuel to produce desired carbonnanotube types. For example, various additives 26 including elements,metals, minerals, and compounds can be delivered to the combustionchamber by the fuel source of the engine when mixed with a primary fuel28 and one or more secondary fuels 30 of the engine to produce a fuelmixture for the engine. The blending system includes a metering device32 controlling the amount added of each fuel and fuel additive to theresulting fuel mixture so that the ratio of carbon nanotube seedingmaterial to fuel in the fuel mixture can be controllably varied, forexample in response to a sensed condition of the exhaust emissions orother conditions as described in further detail below. The resultingadditives in the fuel mixture are selected to produce the desired carbonnanotube size and shape if the desired particulate matter (PM) is ofultra-fine or Nano soot size, and coarse PM minimized. Bio-fuels will bethe major fuel source reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Combustion Control

Turning now to FIG. 3, the combustion control system 14 receives inputfrom the computer controller 24 to controllably vary one or moreoperation conditions of the engine by directly communicating withvarious engine controls 32. The operating conditions of the engine arecontrollably varied in response to variations of one or more sensedconditions as monitored by the monitoring system 22. The operatingconditions of the internal combustion engine which can be controlledinclude for example fuel type, timing, split injection, and air/fuelratio.

Exhaust Conditioning

Turning now to FIG. 4, the exhaust emissions conditioning system 18includes a carbon nanotube growth and conditioning chamber arranged tocondition the exhaust emissions therein which is generally in the formof a primary exhaust passage 34 arranged to receive the exhaustemissions longitudinally there through from an exhaust gas inlet 36 toan exhaust gas outlet 38. The exhaust passage includes a peripheralboundary to contain the exhaust gases therein. An outer tube 40surrounds the boundary of the exhaust passage spaced radially outwardtherefrom along substantially the full length thereof in thelongitudinal direction. The exhaust passage is thus generallyconcentrically receiving within the outer tube to define a generallyannular cooling passage 42 between the outer tube and the exhaustpassage. A cooling fan 44 directs cooling air longitudinally through thecooling passage in an opposing longitudinal direction relative to theflow of exhaust through the exhaust passage in heat exchangingrelationship with the exhaust emissions across the boundary wall aboutthe exhaust passage. The emissions stream is cooled to stabilize thenanotubes, prevent nanotube oxidation, and reduce emissions escape fromthe media.

A sensing device 46, for example an oxygen sensor and/or temperaturesensor is located within the emissions stream adjacent both the inlet 36and the outlet 38 to provide feedback to the control system. Anothersensing device 46 monitors temperature of the cooling air through thecooling passage. The controller operates the conditioning system inresponse to sensed conditions to maintain low oxygen levels in theexhaust emissions so as to minimize oxidisation in the conditioningsystem and so as to minimize production of NO₂ in the conditioningsystem.

The exhaust passage includes corrugated material spirally arrangedconditioning elements so as to be shaped to create sonic vibrations inthe exhaust emissions as the emissions are directed there through. Moreparticularly corrugated tubes are arranged on a slight spiralarrangement assisting with the growth of carbon nanotubes and creatingsonic vibrations that prevents the carbon nanotubes from falling out ofthe emissions gas stream. The length of the tubes and the material usedwithin the corrugated tubes may be selected to optimize the developmentof carbon nanotubes. The function of this chamber is to condition andpromote growth in an environment of controlled lack of oxygen, NO2 orother oxidizers.

The conditioning system might include the addition of other componentsfrom an auxiliary source 48, for example an incinerator. The incineratoris operable to combust a respective fuel therein to produce products ofcombustion which are directed to the conditioning chamber of theconditioning system to be mixed with the exhaust emissions in producingcarbon nanotubes. The incinerator can receive various minerals or metalsfor combustion therein which can be delivered in water containingionized minerals for example. Furthermore, oils containing metals andelements not suitable for adding to the fuel can be combusted inpyrolysis through an incinerator to aid in the production of nano carbontubes at the conditioning system.

If additional additives are required, they can be added directly, or byuse of the incinerator so that the resulting products of combustion areinjected by gas injection 50 into the exhaust passage adjacent theexhaust inlet 36.

Additional excitation 52 can also be introduce to the exhaust passage tofurther assist formation of nanotubes and prevent the carbon nanotubesfrom falling out of the emissions gas stream. The additional excitation52 can include compressed recirculated gas injection, sonic vibration,mechanical vibration, non-stick surface treatment and/or electrostaticrepulsion within the transfer and conditioning systems to allow freeflow of the carbon nanotubes to the media. The excitation enhances flowthrough the conditioning system.

Phosphorous may also be added to the exhaust emissions at theconditioning system.

Furthermore, microorganism DNA can be provided in the conditioningsystem in which case the temperature of the exhaust passage of theconditioning system is maintained at an optimum temperature for DNAreproduction.

An acid may also be added to the conditioning system or encouraged to beproduced in the exhaust emissions in the conditioning system. Forexample cooling the exhaust emissions in the conditioning system tocondense water vapour in the exhaust emissions can assist in convertingNO in the emissions to nitric acid.

Exhaust Delivery

In a preferred embodiment of the delivery system according to FIG. 5,the delivery system directs the exhaust emissions directly into theplant growing medium immediately subsequent to producing carbonnanotubes in the exhaust emissions. The carbon nanotubes are thusimmediately contacting the microbial life or growth media with theemissions gases, utilizing no separation or storage in the system afterthe process of producing and cooling until the carbon nanotubes andgasses are incorporated into the media of the task of the engine and notemitted into the atmosphere as pollution.

In one embodiment, the engine is a tractor engine which tows anagricultural implement such as a harrow across the ground which is theplant growing medium. The components of the production system arecarried across the field with the tractor and implement. The exhaustfrom the tractor is immediately processed by the conditioning system asit is produced. The delivery system in this instance involves varioustubing for injecting the conditioned emissions and resulting carbonnanotubes into the ground disturbed by the implement or into a hoodenclosing the ground disturbing elements of the implement for mixingwith the disturbed organic material to be subsequently retained in theground for uptake by a crop planted in the field.

The delivery system thus includes the ground disturbing elements and gasinjector tubes for injecting the exhaust emissions into soil disturbedby the ground disturbing elements. Alternatively, the carbon nanotubescan be placed in liquid solution and delivered for injection into theground by liquid tube injectors which augment or replace gas delivery.

The delivery system can further include an enclosure and a mixingelement arranged to mix the exhaust emissions with organic matter withinthe enclosure. Examples include: i) a hood formed by a tarp covering aground harrow towed by a tractor in which the tractor emissions are usedto produce CNT's which are mixed with organic matter from the ground bythe tines within the enclosure of the tarp; ii) a mower driven by acombustion engine in which the exhaust of the mower produces CNT's whichare mixed with grass clipping in the mower deck; or iii) a tiller inwhich the exhaust of the tiller motor produces CNT's which are mixedwith organic matter in the ground disturbed by the tillage implementwithin an enclosed hood of the tiller.

In either instance above, the carbon nanotubes are delivered to theplant growing medium by mixing means such as but not limited to tines,shanks, disks, augers conveyors and pumps. This might include deliveryof the conditioned emissions stream under a tarp behind a harrow, grassgroomer, bio-digesters, composters and algae grow tents in biofuelproduction.

The emissions stream containing the carbon nanotubes can also bedelivered topically to living plants such as grass or algae. Thedelivery can include injection into a liquid container such as a lagoonor other liquid for subsequent delivery as a liquid solution in spray orirrigation water.

Alternatively, a separator arranged to receive the exhaust emissionsfrom the conditioning system to separate the carbon nanotubes from aremainder of the exhaust emissions. The separator can be a cyclonic orelectrostatic or cover system for example to separate the carbonnanotubes from the rest of the exhaust for storage for a later use or tofacilitate attachment to the media.

The exhaust system can further include soil sensors 54 which monitor oneor more conditions of the plant growing medium both before injection ofexhaust emissions and CNT's and subsequent to injection of exhaustemissions and CNT's. The sensed conditions are fed to the computercontroller for subsequent action as required. The sensing beforeincorporation of exhaust into the plant growing medium can be used todetermine what types of additives and operating conditions may bedesirable to specifically address a detected deficiency of the medium.The sensing after incorporation of exhaust into the plant growing mediumcan be used for verification purposes.

Monitor and Control

The monitoring system measures temperature and oxygen levels within theentry to the system, the nanotube production chamber, the exhaustconditioning system and the media before and after delivery of theemissions, as well as any other desirable location or condition.

The monitoring system can include oxygen and temperature sensors,pressure sensors and flow meters placed at various places throughout thesystem such as engine intake, growing and condensing chamber, finaldelivery system, and ambient environmental surroundings to allow controlof optimum carbon nanotube production, incorporation and verification ofemissions sequestration. The sensors can monitor ambient conditions suchas but not limited to engine load and soil conductivity as well asgeographic position and topographic conditions through GPS sensing tocontrol the production of desired carbon nanotube production. Thesensors are monitored by a computer control that can be programmed tocontrol the production of the prescribed type of carbon nanotubedepending on the needs of the media and the environmental surroundings.The computer will have the ability to interact with GPS mapping and datalogging to verify carbon sequestration and emissions produced.

Combustion controls such as timing, split injection, air/fuel ratio,exhaust recirculation, maintaining low oxygen levels downstream withinthe growing and condensing chamber or delivery system cab be used tooptimize the production of carbon nano size soot, thus preventing theoxidisation during the process of producing nanotubes within theconditioning chamber and controlling the production of NO2 which can bedeleterious to the carbon nanotubes.

Using an oxygen sensor in communication with the exhaust emissions atthe conditioning system or the delivery system, the computer controlleris arranged to control at least one operating condition of theconditioning system or the internal combustion engine in response to anoxygen level sensed by the oxygen sensor. Similarly using a temperaturesensor in communication with the exhaust emissions at the conditioningsystem, the computer controller arranged to control at least oneoperating condition of the conditioning system or the internalcombustion engine in response to the exhaust temperature sensed by thetemperature sensor.

When an ambient sensor is arranged to monitoring at least one ambientcondition selected from the group consisting of internal combustionengine load, conductivity of the plant growing medium, geographicalposition, topographical conditions of the plant growing medium, thecomputer controller can also be arranged to control at least oneoperating condition of the conditioning system or the internalcombustion engine in response to the ambient condition monitored by theambient sensor.

When using a GPS system arranged to determine geographical position ofthe internal combustion engine relative to the plant growing medium, forexample a tractor location relative to an agricultural field, anddetermine a geographically varying condition of the plant growing mediumrelative to geographical position, for example using a stored map offield conditions of the agricultural field, the computer controller canbe arranged to control at least one operating condition of theconditioning system or the internal combustion engine in response to thegeographically varying condition of the plant growing medium.

The computer controller can be further provided with a data logging toolarranged to log sensed conditions of the exhaust emissions according toGPS location for subsequent verification that appropriate levels ofCNT's were produced and distributed across the field as desired.

The fuel blending system may be operational in response to activelymeasured conditions, or may be pre-programmed to blend a specific fuelmixture based on various assessments made prior to operation of theinternal combustion engine. The assessment can include determining atype of plant to be planted in the plant growing medium and/ordetermining at least one condition of the plant growing medium followedby and selecting a fuel mixture based on said type of plant and/or thecondition of the plant growing medium. The selection of the fuel mixturecan include selecting either i) one or more fuel additives from a groupof fuel additives, ii) one or more fuels from a group of fuel types, oriii) a combination of one or more fuel additives from a group of fueladditives and one or more fuels from a group of fuel types in producingthe fuel mixture.

Examples of conditions include soil pH, soil mineral content, or abiodiversity condition which represents fungal and bacteria content.Accordingly the fuel blending program matches the type of crop grown andsoil PH, mineral content and desired influence on the biologicaltargets, bacterial, fungi, genetic expression DNA, RNA. This allowsbalancing carbon nanotube types produced, but is not limited to one typeof carbon nanotube as combinations and ratios to balance the diversemicrobial soil plant interactions are possible by mixing a prescribedfuel mixture to produce the desired effect.

The fuel mixture can also be selected to ensure some aromatic compoundsare present due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emissions having astimulating effect on mycorrhizal fungi to build organic carbon reservesin the soil and defend host plant from soil borne pathogens. By addingaromatic fuel additives or petroleum based fuel to the internalcombustion, carbon nanotubes absorb the aromatic compounds in theconditioning chamber, mixing into soil or seeds to control soil and seedborne pathogens while stimulating beneficial microbial activities thatincrease plant growth.

Functionality

The single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) can produced through theinfluence of the magnetic metals such as iron, cobalt, and nickel aswell as corresponding metallic oxides introduced at the combustion phasecarry a positive charge and a diameter range of 5.5 nanometers with anability to have a hydrophobic (water insoluble) attraction to facilitatehybridization of microbial life DNA. As a result of the microbial lifebeing hybridized with the (SWCNT), there is a symbiotic relationshipestablished whereby plant hormones produced by the microorganismsstimulate the plant to photosynthesize at a greater rate acceleratingthe absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere As a result of the extraphotosynthesizing and phytohormone production, the plant is maintainingan accelerated carbon flow to the roots and microbial life. Theincreased carbon flow to the roots increases the source precursors tothe microorganism phytohormone production. The resulting bacteriacolonization will have an increased ability to fix nitrogen from the airand fungal mineralization of the soil or organic matter improving soilfertility and phosphorus availability from the unavailable soilminerals. The resulting (SWCNTs) carry a positive charge which can be ananion exchanger that can be introduced by the system into the media oranions such as phosphorus and boron solutions to store these anions inthe available form and prevent it from soil tie-up by recombining withcalcium or aluminum in the soil or growth media. Phosphorus rich(SWCNTs) produced can be modified by the system through the influence ofadded phosphorus by means of phosphorus rich oil or phosphorus richwater bath or spray within the condensing chamber, producing aphosphorus rich nanotube. The purpose is to improve the phosphorusavailability to the microorganism and the plant life and preventphosphorus from becoming unavailable.

Double wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) can be produced to amplify thetransitional metals and elements introduced at combustion for theproduction of the carbon nanotube. For example if a transitional metal(calcium, magnesium, potassium) is deficient in the media, that specifictransitional metal or its compound will be introduced into the fuel suchthat the double wall carbon nanotube amplifies this metal relieving thespecific deficiency in the media. These insoluble DWCNTs are negativelycharged and have the capability of being a cation exchanger.

Multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be produced by metals andelements or compounds such as brass or other alloys introduced atcombustion for the production of the MWCNT amplifies cation exchangecapacity (CEC) of the soil to improve fertility and nutrient holdingcapacity. In addition the MWCNT has unique electrical properties toextract plant nutrients from the soil to facilitate the availability ofminerals to the plant or production of RNA that facilitatestranscription of DNA.

As described herein, the emissions produced are generally passed througha culturing tank within the system or through the growth media where DNAis present. This results in the non-covalent functionalization of theSWCNTs increasing solubility of the carbon nanotubes. This facilitatesentry of the resulting hybrid into the root of the plant. These hybridscan include Rhizobium Actinomycetes (legume), azospirillum azotobacter(associated nitrogen fixation), Azotobacter, klebsiella, rhodosprillium(free living nitrogen fixation). Temperature of the culturing tank ismaintained at an optimum temperature for DNA reproduction. Phosphoruscan be added to this culturing tank through the oxidization of highphosphorus oil or added oxidized phosphorus to facilitate the productionof DNA carbon nanotube hybrids.

Conditioning of the multiwall carbon nanotubes can be accomplished withnitric acid produced from combustion to improve water solubility. Theconversion of NO to nitric acid within the conditioning system may beaccomplished by condensation of the water vapour in the emissions byambient air cooling or additional refrigeration or by additional water.This conditioning can be through contact with the vapour, liquidinjection or passing the gasses through a reservoir of acid solution.The purpose of producing water soluble carbon nanotubes (WSCNT) in thedescribed method is to allow the nanotube to enter the root to increasethe cation exchange capacity of the plant which accelerates theabsorption of water and minerals from the soil. In addition the WSCNTshelp the plant withstand the effects of salty soil. This improves theabsorption of water even in drought conditions through the improvedosmotic ability of the root.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein abovedescribed, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same madewithin the spirit and scope of the claims without department from suchspirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in theaccompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only andnot in a limiting sense.

1. A method for improving plant growth characteristics for a plantgrowing medium, the method comprising: providing an internal combustionengine arranged to combust a fuel therein; adding a carbon nanotubeseeding material to the fuel of the international combustion engine toproduce a fuel mixture; operating the internal combustion engine tocombust the fuel mixture in pyrolysis to produce exhaust emissions; andcapturing at least a portion of the exhaust emissions so as to bearranged for subsequent delivery to the plant growing medium.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1 including i) operating the internalcombustion engine to combust the fuel and the carbon nanotube seedingmaterial in pyrolysis to produce black carbon ultrafine and Nano soot inthe exhaust emissions, and ii) conditioning the exhaust emissions suchthat the Nano carbon soot is processed into carbon nanotubes.
 3. Themethod according to either one of claim 1 or 2 including providing asensing system arranged to sense at least one condition of the exhaustemissions and a computer controller arranged to controllably vary aratio of carbon nanotube seeding material to fuel in the fuel mixture inresponse to variation of said at least one condition of the exhaustemissions sensed by the sensing system.
 4. The method according to anyone of claims 1 through 3 including providing a sensing system arrangedto sense at least one condition of the exhaust emissions and a computercontroller arranged to controllably vary at least one operatingcondition of the internal combustion engine in response to variation ofsaid at least one condition of the exhaust emissions sensed by thesensing system.
 5. The method according to claim 4 wherein said at leastone operating condition of the internal combustion engine is selectedfrom the group consisting of fuel type, timing, split injection, andair/fuel ratio.
 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 through 5including i) providing a conditioning system arranged to receive andcondition the exhaust emissions therein to produce carbon nanotubes, andii) maintaining low oxygen levels in the exhaust emissions so as tominimize oxidisation in the conditioning system.
 7. The method accordingto any one of claims 1 through 6 including i) providing a conditioningsystem arranged to receive and condition the exhaust emissions thereinto produce carbon nanotubes, and ii) maintaining low oxygen levels inthe exhaust emissions so as to minimize production of NO₂ in theconditioning system
 8. The method according to any one of claims 1through 7 including i) providing an incinerator operable to combust arespective fuel therein to produce products of combustion, and ii)providing a conditioning system arranged to receive and condition theexhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine and the productsof combustion from the incinerator therein to produce carbon nanotubes.9. The method according to claim 8 including combusting metals in theincinerator.
 10. The method according to claim 8 including injectingwater containing ionized minerals into the incinerator.
 11. The methodaccording to any one of claims 1 through 10 including directing theexhaust emissions directly into the plant growing medium immediatelysubsequent to producing carbon nanotubes in the exhaust emissions. 12.The method according to any one of claims 1 through 11 addingphosphorous to the exhaust emissions.
 13. The method according to anyone of claims 1 through 12 wherein the carbon nanotube seeding materialcomprises a metal.
 14. The method according to any one of claims 1through 13 wherein the carbon nanotube seeding material comprises amineral.
 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 through 14wherein the carbon nanotube seeding material comprises a magnetic metal.16. The method according to any one of claims 1 through 15 wherein thecarbon nanotube seeding material comprises a transitional metal.
 17. Themethod according to any one of claims 1 through 16 wherein the carbonnanotube seeding material comprises an alloy.
 18. The method accordingto any one of claims 1 through 17 including i) providing a conditioningsystem arranged to receive and condition the exhaust emissions therein,ii) providing DNA in the conditioning system, and iii) maintainingtemperature of the conditioning system at an optimum temperature for DNAreproduction.
 19. The method according to any one of claims 1 through 18including i) providing a conditioning system arranged to receive andcondition the exhaust emissions therein, and ii) adding phosphorous tothe conditioning system.
 20. The method according to any one of claims 1through 19 including i) providing a conditioning system arranged toreceive and condition the exhaust emissions therein to produce carbonnanotubes, and ii) adding an acid to the conditioning system.
 21. Themethod according to any one of claims 1 through 20 including i)providing a conditioning system arranged to receive and condition theexhaust emissions therein, and ii) cooling the exhaust emissions in theconditioning system to condense water vapour in the exhaust emissionsand convert NO in the emissions to nitric acid.
 22. The method accordingto any one of claims 1 through 21 including i) providing a conditioningsystem arranged to receive and condition the exhaust emissions thereinto produce carbon nanotubes, and ii) providing a separator arranged toreceive the exhaust emissions from the conditioning system and toseparate the nanotubes from a remainder of the exhaust emissions. 23.The method according to any one of claims 1 through 22 including i)providing a conditioning system arranged to receive and condition theexhaust emissions therein to produce carbon nanotubes, and ii) enhancingflow through the conditioning system using at least one techniqueselected from the group consisting of: compressed recirculated gasinjection, sonic vibration, mechanical vibration, non-stick surfacetreatment, and electrostatic repulsion within the conditioning.
 23. Themethod according to any one of claims 1 through 23 including providing aconditioning system arranged to condition the exhaust emissions therein,the conditioning system including an exhaust passage arranged to receivethe exhaust emissions therethrough which is shaped to create sonicvibrations in the exhaust emissions as the emissions are directed therethrough.
 24. The method according to any one of claims 1 through 24including providing a conditioning system arranged to condition theexhaust emissions therein, the conditioning system including an exhaustpassage arranged to receive the exhaust emissions therethrough whichincludes corrugated material.
 25. The method according to any one ofclaims 1 through 25 including providing a conditioning system arrangedto condition the exhaust emissions therein, the conditioning systemincluding an exhaust passage arranged to receive the exhaust emissionstherethrough which includes spirally arranged conditioning elements. 26.The method according to any one of claims 1 through 26 includingproviding a conditioning system arranged to condition the exhaustemissions therein, the conditioning system comprising an exhaust passagearranged to receive the exhaust emissions therethrough, an outer tubesurrounding the exhaust passage to define a cooling passage between theouter tube and the exhaust passage, and a fan arranged to direct coolingair through the cooling passage.
 27. The method according to any one ofclaims 1 through 27 including i) providing a conditioning systemarranged to condition the exhaust emissions therein to produce carbonnanotubes, ii) providing an oxygen sensor in communication with theexhaust emissions at the conditioning system, and iii) providing acomputer controller arranged to control at least one operating conditionof the conditioning system or the internal combustion engine in responseto an oxygen level sensed by the oxygen sensor.
 28. The method accordingto claim 27 wherein the computer controller is arranged to control anoperating condition of the conditioning system.
 29. The method accordingto any one of claims 1 through 28 including i) providing a conditioningsystem arranged to condition the exhaust emissions therein to producecarbon nanotubes, ii) providing a temperature sensor in communicationwith the exhaust emissions at the conditioning system, and iii)providing a computer controller arranged to control at least oneoperating condition of the conditioning system or the internalcombustion engine in response to an exhaust temperature sensed by thetemperature sensor.
 30. The method according to claim 29 wherein thecomputer controller is arranged to control an operating condition of theconditioning system.
 31. The method according to any one of claims 1through 30 including i) providing a conditioning system arranged tocondition the exhaust emissions therein to produce carbon nanotubes, ii)providing a delivery system arranged to deliver the exhaust emissions tothe plant growing medium, iii) providing a temperature sensor incommunication with the exhaust emissions at the delivery system, andiii) providing a computer controller arranged to control at least oneoperating condition of the conditioning system or the internalcombustion engine in response to an exhaust temperature sensed by thetemperature sensor.
 32. The method according to claim 31 wherein thecomputer controller is arranged to control an operating condition of theconditioning system.
 33. The method according to any one of claims 1through 32 including providing a delivery system arranged to deliver theexhaust emissions topically to living plants.
 34. The method accordingto any one of claims 1 through 33 including providing a delivery systemarranged to deliver the exhaust emissions in a liquid solution.
 35. Themethod according to claim 34 wherein the liquid solution comprisesirrigation water.
 36. The method according to any one of claims 1through 35 including providing a delivery system including an enclosureand a mixing element arranged to mix the exhaust emissions with organicmatter within the enclosure.
 37. The method according to any one ofclaims 1 through 36 including providing a delivery system includingground disturbing elements and injectors for injecting the exhaustemissions into soil disturbed by the ground disturbing elements.
 38. Themethod according to any one of claims 1 through 37 including i)providing a conditioning system arranged to condition the exhaustemissions therein to produce carbon nanotubes, ii) providing an ambientsensor arranged to monitor at least one ambient condition selected fromthe group consisting of internal combustion engine load, conductivity ofthe plant growing medium, geographical position, topographicalconditions of the plant growing medium, and iii) providing a computercontroller arranged to control at least one operating condition of theconditioning system or the internal combustion engine in response tosaid at least one ambient condition monitored by the ambient sensor. 39.The method according to any one of claims 1 through 38 including i)providing a conditioning system arranged to condition the exhaustemissions therein to produce carbon nanotubes, ii) providing a GPSsystem arranged to determine geographical position of the internalcombustion engine relative to the plant growing medium and determine ageographically varying condition of the plant growing medium relative togeographical position, and iii) providing a computer controller arrangedto control at least one operating condition of the conditioning systemor the internal combustion engine in response to the geographicallyvarying condition of the plant growing medium.
 40. The method accordingto any one of claims 1 through 39 including i) providing a conditionsensing system arranged to monitor at least one condition of the exhaustemissions, and ii) providing a data logging tool arranged to log said atleast one condition of the exhaust emissions.
 41. The method accordingto any one of claims 1 through 40 providing a fuel mixture of fuel andcarbon nanotube seeding material which includes aromatic compounds. 42.The method according to any one of claims 1 through 41 includingdetermining a type of plant to be planted in the plant growing mediumand selecting based on said type of plant either i) one or more fueladditives from a group of fuel additives, ii) one or more fuels from agroup of fuel types, or iii) a combination of one or more fuel additivesfrom a group of fuel additives and one or more fuels from a group offuel types in producing the fuel mixture.
 43. The method according toany one of claims 1 through 42 including determining at least onecondition of the plant growing medium and selecting based on said atleast one condition of the plant growing medium either i) one or morefuel additives from a group of fuel additives, ii) one or more fuelsfrom a group of fuel types, or iii) a combination of one or more fueladditives from a group of fuel additives and one or more fuels from agroup of fuel types in producing the fuel mixture.
 44. The methodaccording to claims 43 wherein said at least one condition of the plantgrowing medium includes soil pH.
 45. The method according to either oneof claim 43 or 44 wherein said at least one condition of the plantgrowing medium includes a biodiversity condition representing fungal andbacteria content.